Millions of Americans could lose home internet access next month – Marketplace
Millions of Americans could lose home internet access next month Marketplace
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Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Faces Uncertain Future
Back in the pandemic depths of December 2020, when so many Americans were working, learning, and performing essential daily tasks online, the Federal Communications Commission launched an emergency program to help low-income people connect to high-speed internet with a $50-per-month subsidy.
That was extended with the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has provided $30 a month for internet service. An estimated 23 million households currently get the subsidy. But they won’t for much longer.
Importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) played a crucial role in providing internet access to millions of Americans during the pandemic. It allowed individuals to have home internet access for the first time, enabling them to carry out essential tasks such as filing school papers, completing homework, and applying for jobs. The ACP became a pioneer in connecting Americans to a higher tier of internet service, improving their ability to engage in daily activities.
Impact on Individuals
One individual who greatly benefited from the ACP is Dorothy Burrell, a lupus patient from Kansas City. Prior to enrolling in the program two years ago, she couldn’t afford home internet. With the ACP subsidy, she was able to access virtual appointments with her doctor and connect with mental health specialists through the Essential Families program. Additionally, she found employment as a digital navigator for the ACP and other digital access programs, allowing her to help others gain valuable internet access.
Challenges in Renewing Funding
Despite bipartisan interest in renewing the ACP, efforts to secure funding for the program have stalled in Congress. A bill to extend the program through the end of the year has not yet received a House floor vote. Alternative solutions, such as incorporating the funding into other mechanisms, require significant diplomatic and political efforts. As a result, there is currently no clear solution to continue the program beyond the end of the month.
Uncertain Future for Program Users
With the program set to run out of funding at the end of the month, individuals who rely on the ACP are uncertain about their future internet access. Some have already experienced connectivity issues and are facing higher costs without the subsidy. The Federal Communications Commission conducted a survey revealing that 77% of respondents would be unable to continue receiving internet access without the ACP. This could lead to downgraded plans or complete cancellation of service.
Alternative Programs and Infrastructure Funding
While there are other programs, such as the Lifeline program, that provide assistance to low-income individuals in getting connected online, they may not fully replace the benefits of the ACP. The $42 billion funding announced for broadband programs focuses on infrastructure development, which is essential but needs to be complemented by affordable connectivity initiatives. Without affordable service options, individuals may still struggle to access the internet despite improved infrastructure.
In addition to the ACP, there are other programs like the Lifeline program, also known as Obama Phone, that provide assistance to low-income individuals in getting connected online. However, these programs may not fully address the complex needs of individuals when it comes to tasks like schoolwork, job applications, and accessing social safety net programs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:
- Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 11.a.1: Proportion of population living in cities that implement urban and regional development plans integrating population projections and resource needs, by size of city.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020. | Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. | Indicator 11.a.1: Proportion of population living in cities that implement urban and regional development plans integrating population projections and resource needs, by size of city. |
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple SDGs. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) is relevant because it focuses on increasing access to information and communications technology, including the Internet. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is connected because it aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their status. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is addressed as it emphasizes the importance of strengthening development planning to support positive economic and social links between urban and rural areas.
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:
The article’s content aligns with specific targets under the mentioned SDGs. Target 9.c aims to increase access to information and communications technology, including affordable Internet access. Target 10.2 focuses on promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities based on various factors. Target 11.a emphasizes the need to support economic and social links between urban and rural areas through development planning.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
The article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 9.c.1 measures the proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, indicating access to technology. Indicator 10.2.1 measures the proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, reflecting economic inequalities. Indicator 11.a.1 measures the proportion of the population living in cities that implement development plans integrating population projections and resource needs, indicating progress in urban planning.
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: marketplace.org
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